ridge

Hiking Lyon Mountain

Last October I went for a hike up Lyon Mountain. The first 3/4 of a mile you can drive up to the parking lot, then from there, it’s a two mile hike to the summit, or about 3 miles if you take the new trail.

Same campsite I sprained my ankle in one year ago. This time, used a step stool

The old trail, following an old woods road is eroded and rough in places, but it well traveled as it much shorter. The new trail, being so twisty is not as well traveled, but it is far less steep and tends to be less wet in the spring time.

Start of Lyon Mountain Trail

Heading up from the parking area, the first part of the trail follows the old trails route, before swinging left near a registration kiosk.

Maples Along Trail

It was very colorful along the new trail as all the maples where at about peak color going up the mountain.

On the Old Trail

I decided to switch over from the new trail to the old trail, once I reached the point where the trails reached their closest point at the midpoint up the mountain.

First View of Chazy Lake from Mountain

As you get about 2/3rds the way up the mountain, you can look back and see Lake Chazy.

Steep and Eroded Old Trail

The old trail certainly is eroded and in rough sape in some parts. You can understand why they re-routed it.

There's the Lyon Mountain Firetower

Ah, finally see the fire tower.

North Towards Chazy Lake

Chazy Lake and Farms Along It

Hazy day, but there’s Lake Chazy and the farms along it.

Altona Wind Farm

Wind turbines of the Chazy Highlands…

People Out on Lyon Mountain

Lyon Mountain is a popular hike, as seen by all the hikers on the ledge.

 

Kayaking Beaver Creek, August 2011

Where is a quiet place to kayak near Cedar Ridge and the Brookfield Horse Camp? Have you ever thought about kayaking the Beaver Creek, from Horse Trail 60 north until the end of the navigable waters?

 Cedar River-Limekiln Lake Road

You take Fairgrounds Road north from Brookfield NY, until a first parking area on the left of the road. This is Horse Trail 60. It’s a short portage (1/8 mile) until you reach the bridge crossing the Beaver Creek.

Horse Trail 60 Bridge

Put in the on the side of this bridge. I did from the east side, through the marshy ground, but you could portage over the horse bridge, then put on the west side, and avoid the marshy ground.

Heading Under Horse Trail 60 Bridge

Beaver Creek State Forest Sign

The Very Flat Water Beaver Creek

Wider But Shallow Section of Beaver Creek

Hudson River looks nice and brown

More Open Section of Beaver Creek

Heading Back

Timothy Grasses Along Shore

Another Narrow Section

Trees Along River Bank

Wind Generated Current

Claustrophobic?

Flowers

Having a good set of wheels means you won’t have to carry your kayak, but make sure not to drag it on the gravel to avoid wearing holes in your kayak, as I learned earlier this summer.

Kayak on Wheels

This is a delightful little trip. Do drive the Charles Baker Auto tour, or hike some of the many trails in the area…

 Green Lakes Elevation Psuedo Color

Pavilion